Hawai’i: A Return to Shirokiya

It’s been awhile since our last trip to Shirokiya…every visit just gets better and better. See past posts from 2009, and 2010 here. They’ve made a ton of changes and improvements to the food section since the past summer – the entire second floor is now a Japanese food court and beer garden. How amazing is that?

This bento is still my favorite lunch item at Shirokiya. Four types of mochi rice, each with different seasonings (think chestnuts, red beans, shrimp, and edamame), grilled salmon, oden, hijiki salad and a bunch of other things. Sometimes they switch it around, but the four types of rice plus side dishes formula stays the same…

…with a little azuki manju for dessert in tucked in the bottom corner. I didn’t get to try the ramen, gyoza and curry plates this time around, but will be back for sure.

Take the escalators downstairs after lunch – part of the first floor is now devoted to little dessert stands and a giant Yoku Moku section.

Keep an eye out for the miniature doughnuts. I mean “doughnuts” – they’re essentially miniature taiyakis with different fillings (in place of the usual custard and azuki bean paste). Chocolate, caramel flakes, and cherry jelly to name a few.

Super cute, delicious when warm, and mediocre by the time they cool down. Eat fast!

Petit Custa Ginza, 8 pieces for $4.

I also tried matcha mochi from the Hau’oli Nalu stand on the same visit. Super soft and silky pats of mochi with sugar syrup and matcha powder. Till next time! :)